Construction of St. David Catholic school in Sudbury behind schedule

Construction of a new elementary school in theSudbury Catholic District School Board is lagging behind schedule.

St. David Elementary was supposed to be ready for students to start classes inSeptember.

This week, while signage in front of the site promised 'Opening Soon' and September classes, the structure remained without exterior walls.

The Board's Business Superintendent, Cheryl Ann Corallo, saidsite conditions delayed construction.

Blasting for the foundation did not go as planned, she said.

"There was significant blasting to be done," said Corallo."And I'm sure as you're aware, any time there's blasting you can never be sure what you're going to find underneath."

"The rock quality was not quite what we were expecting in some places" Corallo said."It didn't necessarily blast off nicely, it shattered. So we had to compensate for that."

As well, inclement weather played a role in slowing construction, she said.

She'll know later this month when the contractor expects to finish the project.

Some two hundred students will transfer some time during the year when the building is done, she said.

As for cost, Corallo saidthere won't be anyoverruns because the contract was for a set amount; around ten million dollars.